I admitted that — at first — I was less than excited about the current theme — but, as I was returning to this group after a year away to study design with the inimitable Elizabeth Barton, and this was my first piece upon my return — I was determined not to grumble (much) about the requirements of the theme!  😉

I began by studying the process through video tutorials and reading in books from my personal library.  Most helpful was a YouTube video created by Laura Kemshall, which I watched several times.  Her particular technique seemed not only simple but compact and not overly messy.  When she illustrated the technique to create prints of thorn bushes — suddenly I was excited.  This could be used for wonderful impressions of trees — winter trees, to start.

Inspirational photo – a stand of trees, Mirror, Alberta

I made several samples, two of which were pleasing enough to turn into the “mini” matted pieces I sell in local galleries.  Then it was on to the main project!

To my background fabric — commercial cotton on which I did an initial print — I added layers of mono-printing and inkjet printing on white organza.  I sandwiched the piece and quilted the ‘trees’ with dark grey silk and a fine sewing machine needle, sometimes following the printed lines and sometimes adding others in a random fashion.

I finished the piece by spattering ‘snow’ over the top with white paint, and adding tiny ‘cardinals’ for a splash of colour.  As the Northern Cardinal is not generally seen this far West…I titled my piece, “Don’t See Cardinals Much ‘Round Here”.

Don’t See Cardinals Much ‘Round Here

And a couple of ‘detail’ photos:

‘Cardinals’ – Detail 1

‘Cardinals’ – Detail 2

If it’s grey and wintry where you are…I hope you too will find a colourful birdie to brighten your day!